United’s second-string raced into a three-goal lead inside the opening 27 minutes, courtesy of strikes from Ryan Fraser, Ashby - making his Newcastle debut at under-21 level - and Amadou Diallo before Fin Welch’s composed finish and Abu Kamara’s penalty cut the deficit before the half-time whistle.

Welch equalised for the visitors three minutes after the restart before Lewis Miley’s stunning first-time effort proved the difference at United’s Little Benton Academy, sealing a first Division Two victory since October. 

Ben Dawson made four changes to the side which were held to a goalless draw against Middlesbrough a fortnight ago as Ashby, who joined the Magpies from West Ham United in January, was handed his Newcastle debut at under-21 level while Fraser was named in the second-string’s starting eleven.

In the 15th minute, it was the pair who combined as Fraser opened the scoring for Newcastle as Ashby played a delightful cross-field pass into the Scotsman’s path, who cut dangerously inside from the left wing before bending the ball into the right-hand corner.

Seven minutes later, Ashby turned from goal provider to goalscorer as the 21-year-old right-back latched onto Miley’s lay-off before drilling a powerful effort into the far left-hand corner.

In the 27th minute, Newcastle added a third through Diallo as the London-born winger got onto the end of Fraser's inviting cross before firing the ball into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

United’s deficit was cut to two in the 33rd minute as Welch pulled one back for Norwich, evading the challenge of Remi Savage on the halfway line before slotting the ball past Magpies goalkeeper Max Thompson.

With the half-time whistle approaching, Newcastle were dealt a tough blow as Kamara scored from the penalty spot. After Harry Brooke was brought down inside the box by Savage, the City striker fired the ball underneath Thompson after the 18-year-old guessed the correct way.

Newcastle found themselves on level terms in the 48th minute as Welch equalised for the Norfolk-based outfit as the United defence were unable to clear their lines from a free-kick, allowing Welch to scramble the ball into the net.

In the 77th minute, Newcastle regained their lead through Miley’s terrific finish. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder, who made his Newcastle first-team debut during a 5-0 win against Al Hilal in December 2022, got onto the end of Diallo’s low pass before his first-time effort flew into the top left-hand corner.

Newcastle United Under-21s end their Premier League 2 campaign on Monday, 24th April when they face an away trip to Derby County (kick-off 7pm BST).

Newcastle United Under-21s: Max Thompson, Harrison Ashby (Jamie Miley 62), Remi Savage, Alex Murphy, Matt Bondswell, Nathan Carlyon, Lewis Miley, Amadou Diallo, Ryan Fraser, Rodrigo Vilca (James Huntley 62), Michael Ndiweni (Jordan Hackett 72).

Subs not used: Charlie Wiggett, Will Brown.